A Wellington musician, Martin Ditlhabi, has been convicted of rape and sentenced to three years and nine months in prison. Ditlhabi, 27, was arrested following widespread allegations that surfaced on social media. The charges, initially cleared in a previous trial, were revisited in a retrial that concluded in November.
Ditlhabi, originally from Botswana, moved to New Zealand in 2009 and settled in Wellington. He was embroiled in a series of accusations starting in 2020, triggering the launch of “Operation Emerald” by police. This investigation led to multiple complaints and ultimately, Ditlhabi’s arrest.
The trial, which took place at Wellington District Court in 2022, involved six complainants who testified about alleged incidents of rape or sexual assault, most of which occurred during parties with alcohol and drugs. While Ditlhabi pleaded not guilty to the charges, his defense suggested that the accusations were part of a “social media frenzy” and claimed the alleged victims had consented to the activities.
Despite the defense’s arguments, the jury found Ditlhabi not guilty of unlawful sexual connection and indecent assault charges, but was unable to reach a decision on the rape charges. A retrial was held, and in November 2022, Ditlhabi was convicted of one charge of rape.
Ditlhabi’s legal team had requested permanent name suppression, arguing that the publicity would lead to a harmful social media backlash, including death threats and racial abuse. His lawyer argued that revealing his name would cause extreme hardship. However, the High Court ruled in May 2023 that there was insufficient evidence of “extreme hardship,” and Ditlhabi’s request for suppression was denied.
The case highlights the challenges of legal battles involving high-profile social media accusations and the balancing of privacy and justice. Despite his conviction, Ditlhabi’s defense team maintained that his prospects for rehabilitation remained strong.
Ditlhabi, who has worked as a musician, model, and in hospitality, was born in Botswana and moved to New Zealand at the age of 11. He had lived in Tauranga and Wellington, where he attended high school and became involved in music, particularly hip-hop. His background and the details of his trial have sparked significant media coverage in New Zealand.
Following the final ruling, Ditlhabi’s legal team abandoned the attempt to keep his identity suppressed, marking the end of a prolonged legal and media saga.